What Is An Epilator? How It Works & When You Should Use one (2024)

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase.

Tired of going through the hassle of setting an appointment and waiting in long lines just to have painful hair removal? Then let’s unfold the mystery behind what an epilator is.

The evolving times give birth to hustling, busy individuals. Still, we go by the times when facial and body hair are one of the most stigmatized aspects of a woman’s body.

With that, modern-day solutions have been invented that aim to help not just women, but anyone with hair concerns. You are now one press away from having smooth, hairless skin that will scream confidence and empowerment.

Read on to find out how epilators bring promising results to modern-day hair removal.

How Do Epilators Work for Hair Removal?

The term epilating may automatically give you an idea of an electronic hair-removing tool called an epilator, but they don’t entirely equate to one another.

Epilating is a hair removal method that pulls the hair by the roots —which is exactly what epilators do!

If you still mistake them for electric shavers, then you might have to think again.

What makes epilators special is that they’re like a hybrid between tweezing and waxing.

The only difference is that it gives a smooth, flawless hair removal without pulling each strand where you put it at risk of having it broken at the surface instead.

And unlike waxing, you get burning pain from stripping your hair all at once.

Epilators are equipped with different surfaces and caps that vary depending on how and which area you would like to use them. Some have rotating springs, while others have multiple rotating metal plates or discs that act like tweezers.

As the caps glide through your skin, they grab, trap and pull the hair, removing them from the follicles.

But regardless of the type of epilator, the outcome is the same.

Benefits of Using Epilators

Versatile

This is reasonably an arguable stance.

While some people experience a hard time reaching some areas of the body, we can’t take away the fact that epilators come with different features and attachments.

One for each of your hair-removal needs. Whether it’s for your face, legs, arms, underarms, or bikini area, you name it.

A Busy Person’s Go-To

Let’s admit it, not everyone has the time to book appointments, and get in line for waxing treatments. Some don’t even have a minute to spare for heating treatments and setting up tools.

With epilators, you’re one press away from being hair-free.

You don’t need to learn complicated methods and techniques to be a pro. All you need to do is to sit back, press a button, and glide the epilator. In just a couple of use, you can even do it with your eyes closed.

Plus, you’ll get the comfort of removing unwanted hair without anybody seeing you naked.

Ideal for Sensitive Skin

Do you ever want to remove unwanted hair without the painful aftermaths like rashes and cuts?

Epilators got you covered!

Since they directly grab the hair, it doesn’t induce much damage to the surface of the skin, unlike shaving and waxing.

If shaving generates much friction to the skin, waxing, on the other hand, strips skin cells along with the hair—both procedures may leave the skin delicately tender and more prone to sun damage.

Also, the use of shaving creams that irritate your skin isn’t required, so it’s less risky for people with sensitive skin and allergies.

Less Painful Than Waxing

Pain is one of the most common concerns of people who are new to epilating. Now, this one’s subjective as we all have different thresholds.

Many people are overwhelmed and frightened by the clacking and buzzing of epilators, but the pain will not be as bad as you imagined.

But, compared to waxing, the epilator doesn’t work directly

Most users initially perceived it as “tingling” rather than “painful”. And, this is because the skin isn’t accustomed to the feeling brought by the epilators.

Bu,t the slight sting will only last during the first few seconds of epilating, as the skin gets used to the sensation.

There are tips and tricks you may try to make it as painless as possible!

Cheaper and More Efficient

An average American woman spends approximately $23,000 on hair removal services in her lifetime. Comparing that to a good-quality epilator, the cost is the same as one whole body waxing session; that’s about $100 to $150.

Although the price may go higher or lower depending on the features you’ll get. Take note that this is a one-time payment for a durable and reliable product that’ll last you for years.

Still a fraction of the cost of most DIY kits and weekly or monthly trips to salons.

Slower and Thinner Regrowth + Long-Lasting Smooth Skin

The satisfaction of having the velvety smoothness of the skin is just amazing; until little strands start to prick you.

The long-term effects of using epilators aren’t just limited to giving your hair a slower regrowth time. Removing the hair directly from the roots has loads of benefits.

On average, it takes four weeks before you get visible hair regrowth. As you repetitively remove the hair from the roots, the tendency is for it to grow back thinner and sparser.

This also means you’ll get to enjoy smoother skin for a longer period.

No Need for Longer Regrowth

For other hair removal options, you need your hair to regrow to a specific length before the method gets executed perfectly.

That’s not the case with epilators. They can grip into regrowth as short as 0.5mm—that’s almost invisible to the naked eyes if you won’t pay attention.

Human hair grows gradually, but not simultaneously. Therefore, for long-lasting hair removal, epilators can be used at least once every week.

Are There Any Risks in Using Epilators?

Just like any other hair removal method, the reactions and aftermaths of epilating vary from one person to another. Some skin is more sensitive than others, while some hair is naturally thinner than the rest.

While epilating is considered safe, there are still some factors that are contrary to the benefits of using an epilator:

• Formation of ingrown hair
• Skin surface redness and irritation
• Difficulty in reaching sensitive areas
• The hassle of charging batteries, and untangling wires

Types of Epilators

Epilators work on different hair types, and in all other areas possible. But, if you’re new to this method of hair removal, it’d best to get to know the types of epilators available in the market.

• Spring Type
• Rotating Disc Type
• Tweezer-Style Type

These are also the standards you must consider when buying one:

• Different speed settings
• Cord or cordless
• Cap attachments
• Type of epilator
• Lighting attachments
• Noise production
• Rechargeable or interchangeable battery

How to Properly Use an Epilator?

Achieving the hair-free goodness with the slightest pain possible is as easy as 1, 2, 3.

Follow these steps:

1. Choose your epilator

Know which body part you’re going to use it, so you’ll determine the type and the thickness of the hair it’ll be used on. This will help you determine which epilator type will work best for you.

Also, know the market. Prices tend to go higher as you opt for better features. To manage your expectations, know your budget and which type of epilator will work best for you.

2. Clean, Exfoliate, and Dry Your Skin

Before the hair pulling begins, make sure to clean the skin. Use a gentle soap to remove any residue and refrain from applying other products such as powder and lotion to your skin.

If having ingrown hair is what’s stopping you from switching to epilators, then worry no more. There are ways to prevent this.

Exfoliating is vital to every hair removal method. Doing a simple exfoliating scrub can clean your pores and remove dead skin cells—which are the primary cause of ingrown and bumps.

Once your skin recovers from the hair removal, it’s a good practice to exfoliate again. This keeps your skin healthy.

3. Epilate

No other steps and products are needed; you may now proceed to epilate.

Position the epilator at a 90-degree angle, and gently glide it in the opposite direction of hair growth.

For less pain, you may apply ice to numb and soothe the skin before and after doing the process. Pulling the skin taut would also induce gentler hair removal and will keep you from having cuts and scratches.

For starters, you may opt for a slower pace, gradually increasing as your body gets used to the speed you can tolerate.

Let the epilator do the work, and don’t apply harsh pressure.

Soothing creams and gels are also a must-have if you want to use epilators in the long run. This helps in dealing with pain and skin irritation after your hair removal.

When is The Right Time to Use Epilators?

“Should I do it at night?”

“Should I do I use it?”

Well, the choice is yours.

There are epilators made for wet or dry instances, and either of them can reach tiny hair growths. So, you can use it whenever, and wherever you like.

But, here are a few recommendations…

If you’re not used to the stinging sensation from epilating, do it while or after taking a warm bath or shower.

When the hair roots get in contact with warm water, the pores in your hair follicles naturally open up. This will loosen the strands, making them come out more easily and less painful.

If you were to ask what time of the day is best for epilating, the answer is at night.

Sun exposure is your worst enemy after having a hair removal session. Your skin tends to get sensitive and more delicate after doing so.

For best results, saving them from those sun rays will help the skin heal faster, and will prevent further irritation and redness.

To Wrap Things Up

The hair growth cycle is one of the inevitable changes in the human body, but the choice of removing them is yours to make.

And, whichever you may come up with, it doesn’t make you any less beautiful.

Devices like epilators are just one of the modern-day answers to what seems to be our needs. Now that you have a better knowledge about this, make sure you don’t take them for granted. The hype may be worth trying.